If you’re a television enthusiast, chances are you’re obsessed with the thrilling dramas of the 1980s. This era saw a revolution in storytelling, with shows ditching the old formula and diving into long-term, nail-biting storylines. While cop and detective shows still held their ground, the likes of Dallas, St. Elsewhere, and Dynasty took center stage, delivering unforgettable drama that kept viewers hooked for seasons on end. Brace yourself for the wild ride of ’80s TV, as these shows brought back the glorious days of primetime soap operas, leaving audiences captivated and craving more.
Prepare to be dazzled by the glitz and glamour of ’80s television. Iconic series like Miami Vice and 21 Jump Street not only featured attractive leads but also showcased the most unique and daring fashion choices of the decade. And that’s not all! Fantasy and science fiction dramas also took the small screen by storm, transporting viewers to otherworldly realms. From the mind-bending Quantum Leap to the enchanting Beauty and the Beast and the heroics of The Greatest American Hero, the ’80s had it all.
Now it’s time to relive the magic of the 1980s and embark on a journey down memory lane. Which drama shows from this iconic era hold a special place in your heart? Did your favorite series make the cut? Share your love for the ’80s dramas that stole your heart and kept you on the edge of your seat. Let your voice be heard as we celebrate the best of the best from this unforgettable decade.
1. M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H is an iconic medical-comedy-drama that takes us right into the lives of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The cast, led by the talented Alan Alda, truly mesmerized viewers with their clever banter and quick-witted jokes, providing a much-needed sense of humor during one of the most challenging eras in American history.
Actors: Alan Alda, McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers, Mike Farrell, Gary Burghoff
9/17/1972
2. Magnum, P.I.
Magnum P.I. was this awesome crime series that had this dude named Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, who was like a private investigator in Hawaii. The show was all about solving cases in this super pretty island setting. It was a real hit with the audience, and what made it so cool was how it mixed up all this sunshine, beach vibes, and crime to give you this really exciting and captivating experience. It was something special, for sure.
Actors: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti, Gillian Dobb
12/11/1980
3. MacGyver
MacGyver, the main character portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson, was a secret agent who had an incredible knack for using ordinary objects to solve complex problems. The show was famous for its imaginative storylines and the character’s resourcefulness, which made it one of the most popular TV series in the 80s.
Actors: Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill, Elyssa Davalos
9/29/1985
4. Quantum Leap
Quantum Leap was a mind-bending science fiction show that had us hooked, with Dr. Sam Beckett (played brilliantly by Scott Bakula) taking us on a wild journey through time. With each leap, Sam would jump into the bodies of different individuals, all in a quest to fix the mistakes of the past. This bold and daring series fearlessly tackled taboo subjects, leaving a lasting impact and forever changing the way we perceived television.
Actors: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Dennis Wolfberg, W. K. Stratton, Carolyn Seymour
3/26/1989
5. Knight Rider
Knight Rider was this really cool crime drama set in the future. It was all about this guy named Michael Knight and his super smart car, KITT. They teamed up to fight crime and uncover all kinds of conspiracies in this world that was just overflowing with amazing technology. The action scenes were totally slick and dramatic, and KITT was like the ultimate high-tech ride. People just couldn’t get enough of it and wanted more and more.
Actors: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson, William Daniels, Rebecca Holden
9/26/1982
6. Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote was a popular TV show featuring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer. Jessica put her amateur sleuthing skills to use in her charming hometown of Cabot Cove, where she cracked crimes left and right. The show was a big hit with viewers who loved the thrilling whodunit storylines that kept them hooked.
Actors: Angela Lansbury
9/30/1984
7. Miami Vice
Miami Vice was a super cool TV show that whisked viewers away to the sun-soaked beaches of Miami. The main characters, played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, were badass detectives who battled crime in the midst of a drug-infested city. With its fast-paced action, vibrant visuals, and killer music, this show instantly won over fans from all corners of the globe.
Actors: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Edward James Olmos, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
9/16/1984
8. The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years was this great comedy series that really captured the ups and downs of growing up and dealing with family stuff. It tackled all these relatable issues about being a teenager and how families work. And let me tell you, people of all ages were totally hooked on it, thanks to the awesome characters like Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage.
Actors: Fred Savage, Jason Hervey, Olivia d’Abo, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills
1/31/1988
9. The A-Team
The A-Team was a popular show in the 80s that starred George Peppard, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz, and Mr. T as a group of ex-military commandos. These characters fought for justice by utilizing their individual combat skills.
One of the things that made The A-Team so memorable were its catchy catchphrases, which became the show’s signature. The action-packed scenes in the series also kept audiences entertained throughout its run.
Actors: George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz, Melinda Culea
1/23/1983
10. Moonlighting
Moonlighting was a total game-changer. It introduced us to the legendary duo of Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis, who brilliantly portrayed the characters of Maddie Hayes and David Addison in this detective series with a sprinkle of comedy. What made this show so unique was its clever use of postmodern techniques, like breaking the fourth wall, which totally caught the audience off guard. It was this fresh and unexpected approach that turned Moonlighting into a timeless classic.
Actors: Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Willis, Allyce Beasley, Curtis Armstrong
3/3/1985
11. The Love Boat
The Love Boat quickly became a favorite among viewers for its captivating ensemble cast and engaging tales of both passengers and crew members aboard a glamorous cruise ship. The show perfectly blended romance, comedy, and just the right amount of melodrama, leaving audiences hooked from the start.
Actors: Gavin MacLeod, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Lauren Tewes
9/24/1977
